"The Book" is what I've been calling it, but the actual title is Bourbon, Straight: The Uncut and Unfiltered Story of American Whiskey. I delivered it to the printer today and should have it in a couple of weeks. Retail price will be $22.95. It's 266 pages (284 with all the roman numeraled stuff). I'm working on some kind of a coupon/discount for StraightBourbon.com members. More on that later.

So, what is it? Well, it's a narrative, a story, or series of stories, not an encyclopedia. It is meant to be read, not referenced (although I did bust my ass on the index). I talk about the stuff you'd expect, how it's made, the history, where the name "bourbon" comes from. Because of my background, I also talk about the business side, marketing and such. As the title suggests, there is a fair amount of de-bunking. I'm not promoting any distilleries or products, so it's all the truth as close as I could find it. It is about American whiskey, not just bourbon per se. There is a tasting guide and 35 product reviews.

What else? As the back cover copy says, "It is richly detailed, clear, authoritative, insightful, independent and fun to read."

Respecting the non-commercial nature of this site, when I actually have books to sell I will post a web site address and that will be it with the plugging, though I'm happy to answer any questions.

bobbyc

07-14-2004, 20:12

Let me say I will be looking forward to adding a copy to my small Bourbon Library. Is that a picture of the old TW Samuels warehouses at Deatsville? If so an interesting choice. I don't believe that design was used extensively although I do think Heaven Hill may have had a building or 2 like those and lost them in the fire.

Barrel_Proof

07-14-2004, 20:38

Bravo, Chuck!!!

Look forward to the read!

Thanks for all you do for bourbonia!!!

dgonano

07-14-2004, 21:18

Can't wait! Chuck, I am sure it will a great success!

cowdery

07-14-2004, 21:46

You're so good. It was inspired by the Deatsville houses.

jeff

07-15-2004, 04:05

I'm looking forward to it. Will you be hosting a signing during the festival?

Paradox

07-15-2004, 12:04

First of all, congrats Chuck and goold luck with it. I, like Bobby, was struck right away by the rickhouse design used. Great choice Chuck, the book is alredy standing out! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif

cowdery

07-15-2004, 13:39

I'm going to try to arrange for something at a Bardstown book store during the festival, but will also be available informally at the gazebo and such.

cowdery

07-15-2004, 13:46

Well, nobody needed to see another bottle and glass. (Here are the original models at Deatsville.)

kitzg

07-15-2004, 16:39

I now have a mint julep in my hand. I offer a toast to Chuck and to much success with the book!

tlsmothers

07-15-2004, 16:45

Congrats! I look forward to having your books at my store and in my own library. Can't wait to meet you at the gazebo!

Gemini_Rose

07-15-2004, 17:47

Very nice location Chuck considering I make sure I go to the bookstore while in Bardstown at least twice during the festival. It has lots of hidden treasures. Considering the one in the center of town has an upstairs (that seems to contain)old antiques and relics from years gone by. The book collections upstairs are brittle but cherished by a book lover like myself. Who knows maybe we will see your book on their shelves.

kgiammarco

07-17-2004, 09:10

We'll be sure to pick up a copy at the festival... congrats on the book...

Ya might want to see what happens during the festival http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I have invited Chuck to have a "book signing" at my party during the festival...He has accepted http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Won't that be a picture of all pictures? http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Our very own Chuck Cowdery...introducing his new book along with all of SB.com behind him holding our "signed" copy grinnin' from ear to ear http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chuck,
Too cool! One signed copy please.
This is 'the book' you were working on the last time you were in?
I can't wait for the

the business side, marketing and such

part. And of course, Bettye Jo's Beams... http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Congratulations my friend! I can only imagine the fortitude it took to get thru a 284 page project... http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif
Your work is a terrific thing for Bourbon in general, and the state of Kentucky as well. Thanks!
Bj

brendaj

07-26-2004, 10:10

Bobby,

I do think Heaven Hill may have had a building or 2 like those and lost them in the fire.

Geez, you ARE good! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif This photo is from August '96.

bobbyc

07-26-2004, 18:35

Geez, you ARE good!

I didn't just fall off the turnip truck!

Well really I did but it was very early this morning! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif

bourbonv

07-27-2004, 06:15

Chuck,
I am sure this will be an excellent addition to my library. You do great research and and I am sure the index will make it even better.
Mike Veach

camduncan

07-27-2004, 15:10

Do you think we Will see the book for sale internationally, or is it one we will have to order from a US online retailer?

cowdery

07-28-2004, 15:11

It will be available from me directly for shipment anywhere in the world. In fact, I just today sent a copy of my blues book to someone in New Zealand. (Well, re-sent it, with the right customs form this time.)

boone

08-04-2004, 12:16

Well, a lot of you know that I am going to have a good ole southern style cook-out at my home, during the festival this year. I will make the announcement with the time, date, directions etc. "later" as plans progress to the final stage http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

What started out as a "personal and private" gathering of a few friends, has turned into a "Event"...Oh Well, I ain't never done anything low key in my life...and why start now? http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/skep.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif

Just wanted to announce this, I will have a "special area" set aside just for Chuck, to sign his new book "Bourbon, Straight" during my party http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The official price on the book (if you buy it at a bookstore) will be $22.95. You can purchase this book during the book signing (at the cook-out http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). The "Straightbourbon.com Member" price will be, $20.00 http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Sorry, no credit cards http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif but cash or a personal check's are welcome http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am really excited about this...I have butterflies just thinking about it! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll see if I can find another Very Very Old Fitzgerald 12 to toast your book at the gazebo.

Omar

cowdery

08-12-2004, 16:58

The book has arrived. Needless to say, I'm excited. Be the first on your block to own a copy. It makes a great gift. Click here to find out about a special offer for StraightBourbon.com members. (http://cowdery.home.netcom.com/sbbsoffer.html)

TheWhiskeyViking

08-12-2004, 23:10

Hi Chuck

Just ordered my copy. I'm really looking forward to a good read. Thanks for the discount. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif

stoopsie

08-13-2004, 02:48

I also just ordered a copy. I appreciate the SB member discount. I put some lame inscription on our copy. You are much more eloquent with words. Feel free to spice up the inscription up a bit. I am all tingly with anticipation on receiving our copy.

Howie

gr8erdane

08-13-2004, 10:01

My copy is duly ordered but I left off the inscription. I hope to have something witty and charming added at Bourbon Fest when I see our esteemed author. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif

cowdery

08-13-2004, 10:11

You can have witty or charming, but for both there is an extra charge.

gr8erdane

08-13-2004, 10:26

And well worth every penny I suspect. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif

cowdery

08-13-2004, 11:02

But if you want grumpy and dyspeptic, I'm all over it.

boone

08-13-2004, 11:10

The "Eagle" is about to land in my mailbox any day now http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Chuck,
Just ordered your book. Thanks for the discount. I will leave the inscription up to you.
Mike Veach

dhooch

08-14-2004, 10:16

Just ordered your book. Can't wait to get it.

Thanks for the SB discount.

I have hundreds of bar (booze) books... some of them are only about bourbon.

I read the table of contents of your new book and, I can say, confidently, that your book will be unique. I greatly appreciate that! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif

Thanks for your time and effort, for all of us. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif

jbalchunas

08-15-2004, 12:46

Chuck,

Like the other posters, just ordered a copy of your book. Thanks for your insights here on the Straightbourbon.com boards...definitely helped a bourbon newbie appreciate bourbon more and more

I'll leave he inscription up to you, and I look forward to reading it.

John

Gillman

08-15-2004, 13:42

I add (as I have privately) my kudos to Chuck for a superb accomplishment. I look forward to buying my copy in B'town where I can dictate my inscription. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We are fortunate here, too, that Chuck has shared his knowledge liberally on these boards. So has Mike Veach, another maven of American whiskey.

As Bob Seger sang, "I raise my whiskey glass and give 'em a toast".

Gary

dgonano

08-15-2004, 15:19

"I raise my whiskey glass and give 'em a toast

Hear, hear! To the best!

musher

08-15-2004, 16:10

I, too, left the inscription space blank, but I hope you'll go ahead and inscribe it in your own words. Or at least autograph it, so that it will be worth lots when you're famous (more famous?)!! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cowdery

08-15-2004, 19:55

Unfortunately, Musher, your copy was sent before you posted this message, so I didn't sign it. If you're coming to Bourbon Fest, bring it and I'll happily sign it there. For everybody else, please indicate your wishes on the order form. I can't necessarily match up something posted here on the board to an order I'm processing, not reliably anyway, and I don't want anyone to be disappointed.

Also, the order form requires you to list your name the way it appears on your credit card, but maybe you want me to sign it to "Bob" instead of "Robert." That's the kind of thing I need to know. The order form has both an "inscription" space and a "special instructions" space, so please use one of them to tell me what you want.

If you think of something you want after the order has been sent, Private Message me.

musher

08-16-2004, 04:45

C'est la vie. I wish I could make it to the festival, but I know I can't.

I figured the inscription space was if I wanted something specific written. Most other times I've bought books directly from the author, they usually sign it, so I guess I was just assuming. But you know what they say happens when you assume . . . http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Perhaps we'll cross paths some day, and I'll bug you for an autograph then.

Anyway, thanks for writing it!

cowdery

08-16-2004, 12:19

If it's any consolation, I have a really bad signature.

musher

08-16-2004, 13:31

If it's any consolation, I have a really bad signature.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'll note that, but I'm sure that any consolation I need will come from the satisfaction of reading the book itself. (and, of course, something in hand to sip while reading!)

cowdery

08-16-2004, 15:43

To you and all who have ordered, I look forward to your feedback.

dgonano

08-16-2004, 16:22

I will be picking one up at the festival. It will be a pleasure meeting you. I assume you will be the one in a tuxedo! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

jeff

08-16-2004, 17:12

I think I'll pick mine up at the festival as well. Right now I am trying to finish some Hemmingway, and I'm sure I would just forget about that once "The Book" came in the mail. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif

cowdery

08-16-2004, 17:53

Forget about Hemmingway. I'll tell you how it ends. Everybody dies horribly.

TNbourbon

08-16-2004, 20:01

Faulkner was a big bourbon drinker, Jeff -- try him instead of Hemingway. The first movement of "The Sound and the Fury" will drive you to drink. After a couple rounds, it'll start to make sense. Pretty to think so, anyway. (How's that for mixing my allusions?)

musher

08-17-2004, 20:28

It sure seems quiet here tonight. I'm guessing a lot of you are doing what I am . . . Reading the book! http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

(I got my copy in the mail today!)

gr8erdane

08-18-2004, 14:03

Just pulled mine from the mailbox and was delighted to find a bonus. A matching bookmark. It might not seem like much to most, but I am always scrounging for bookmarks and end up using one of those subscription cards that rain out of new magazines when you first read them. Like I've said before, I sometimes get excited about the most simple of things but this will be my official bookmark until I get the next Cowdery masterpiece (assuming of course that this trend of generosity continues). http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif

bourbonv

08-20-2004, 06:28

Chuck,
Received your book last night. Great inscription. I am going to read it this weekend.
Mike Veach

musher

08-23-2004, 06:36

To you and all who have ordered, I look forward to your feedback.

Well, for starters, I'm gonna have to start referring to you as Colonel Cowdery. http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif

boone

08-23-2004, 07:24

You also learn the meaning of MYTH http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif Around here we call it http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/horseshit.gif Chuck has such a "class act" style of writing that it isn't until after you take in all the facts, that you realize, he just kicked some ass http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif

Just out of curiousity, what are your plans on distribution and
marketing? I'm guessing that you'll get book reviews in the
whisk(e)y press, which is essentially free advertizing to your
most likely customers.

Are you looking to have 'em stock it at Sam's?
Bardstown-area bookstores? Distillery gift shops? Amazon.com?

Have you designed posters, flyers, etc.?

Just curious!

Tim Dellinger

cowdery

08-27-2004, 22:12

A lot of that is still in progress. Sam's and Binny's are possibilities if they're interested. Obviously, they aren't bookstores and though they sell books, it's a very low priority for them, but I will talk to them. I am trying to get into bookstores in Kentucky. It probably will be in some or all of the distillery gift shops. The Kentucky Distillers Association already has it up on their website.

I don't want to reveal what I may have lined up with the mags. I have a few review copies out. Have done some direct mail, will do more. No posters.

Probably will have it on Amazon, but I'm not there yet.

Worked on my holiday specials today. Stay tuned!

troyce

10-05-2004, 13:33

Received Bourbon,Straight yesterday after ordering online through Made and Bottled in Ky. Very quick delivery. Excellent book:perfect textbook for those of us new to Bourbon. Wish I'd known of it before the Bourbon Fest and visits to the gazebo. Read about half of it last night and have recommended it to others today.

cowdery

10-26-2004, 09:47

Looking for the perfect gift for a lover of American whiskey? Okay, whiskey is the perfect gift, but click below for some suggestions that are a close #2.

http://gifts.bourbonstraight.com

camduncan

02-08-2005, 16:54

Finally finished my copy last night.. Chuck, thank you for a wonderful, insightful and entertaining look at the Bourbon industry. I particularly enjoyed reading your tasting notes on some of my favourite bourbons http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

bobbyc

02-08-2005, 19:49

I reread my copy of Bourbon,Straight in the last 2 days, it's going to be on loan for a little bit. There is a thing on P.37 about Stagg, HazMat and the TSA. I missed it the first time I read it, it is all based on fact, involving our own Barrel_Proof and a visit he made to see us and BettyeJo, almost a year ago precisely.